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SNAKES in Connecticut
A Guide to Snake Identification
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources Wildlife Division
Introduction
Hundreds of snakes are needlessly killed each year because of mistaken identity, fear, and misunderstanding. Very often when a snake is found near a home, people panic and may even assume that the snake is dangerous or venomous. Few Connecticut residents realize that they are unlikely to encounter a venomous snake around their home. The two venomous snake species found in Connecticut, the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, do not have widespread distributions. These venomous snakes, along with the other 12 Connecticut snake species, are not aggressive and will only bite if threatened or handled. If left alone, snakes pose no threat to people. The Wildlife Division has developed this snake identification guide to help educate people about snakes, thereby minimizing unwarranted concern when a snake is encountered. The Division hopes that once people are able to properly identify the snakes that live in and around their homes, they will be more understanding and tolerant of these beneficial animals. The guide also includes information on snake control and who to contact for additional assistance.
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Status of Connecticut Snakes
Snake populations in Connecticut have declined because of habitat loss, unnecessary persecution, and road mortality. Illegal collection for the pet trade is another problem, where the removal of even one animal from the wild can be detrimental to an imperiled species like the timber rattlesnake. The following species are protected in Connecticut. Contact the Wildlife Division for additional information.
State Endangered - Timber Rattlesnake
Species of Special Concern - Eastern Ribbonsnake Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
State Regulated - Eastern Ratsnake
How to Use this Guide
The snakes in this guide are grouped in order of general appearance. Locate a picture that resembles the snake you are trying to identify. Check the map and the habitat description to determine if the species of snake actually occurs in your area. For each species there is a listing of key characteristics that will help you distinguish the snake from similar-appearing species. Each snake description includes whether the species has smooth or keeled scales. Keeled scales have a raised ridge along their center and give the snake's skin a rough appearance when viewed closely. The "confusing species" listing provides a quick reference to snakes that are most often mistaken for one another.
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P. FUSCO
Common Gartersnake
Thamnophis s. sirtalis
Size: 16 to 42 inches LOOK FOR:
? Three light yellow or white stripes running the
length of the body; dark body with white flecks
? Yellowish-green or bronze belly; darker along
edges
? Keeled scales
Diet: Earthworms, frogs, toads, salamanders, fish Habitat: Found everywhere from moist areas to forest edges to vacant lots to backyards Confusing Species: Eastern Ribbonsnake Distribution:
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G. HAMMERSON
Eastern Ribbonsnake
Thamnophis s. sauritus
Size: 20 to 32 inches LOOK FOR:
? Three well-defined yellow-orange stripes running
the length of a slender, dark brown body
? Long, thin tail ? Keeled scales
Diet: Insects, fish, salamanders, frogs, toads Habitat: Shallow water, grassy or shrubby areas bordering streams, and wooded swamps Confusing Species: Common Gartersnake Distribution:
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What states don t have snakes?What States Don T Have Snakes? That makes Alaska one of two states to be snake-free, the other being Hawaii. As an island, Hawaii is more representative of why most countries without snakes have gotten so lucky: They’re geographically isolated.Mar 15, 2019.
Title: papa.pdf
Subject: A Guide to Snake Identification
Keywords: snakes,Connecticut,guide
Author: Connecticut DEP - Wildlife Division
Creator: Windows NT 4.0
Producer: Acrobat Distiller 5.0 (Windows)
CreationDate: Mon May 8 18:45:46 2006
ModDate: Mon May 8 18:45:46 2006
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